Oregon Employment First

10/23/2025

We’ve seen some confusion around the difference between the new federal rules that changed who can get SNAP and how the current federal government shutdown is impacting food benefits. Here is a breakdown of what’s happening and when:

First, the federal government passed a law in July 2025 that changed the rules for who can and cannot get SNAP. ODHS began sending letters on Oct. 15, 2025 to the first group of people who are losing their benefits or having them reduced due to these new rules. You can read about these rules here: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/odhs-begins-sending-notices-oct15-about-federal-snap-changes-under-hr1

Second, the federal government shutdown may impact November benefits. On Oct. 10, 2025, the Trump Administration told all states that we cannot give out November SNAP benefits until the federal government shutdown ends - even to people who still qualify under the new federal rules. You can read the notice from the USDA here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FqO7Mwggde6HS58RyQXR_RiOszFpeEu4/view

If Congress and President Trump reach a deal before Nov. 1, 2025, people who still get SNAP benefits under the new federal rules will get their SNAP benefits as usual in November.

If Congress and President Trump do not reach a deal before Nov. 1, 2025, no one will receive November SNAP until the federal government reopens or we receive new direction from the federal government. You can read more about how the federal government shutdown will impact food benefits in November here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx

The people who received the letters about new federal rules from ODHS mentioned earlier will still lose or see a reduction in SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, 2025 – even if the federal government reopens before then.

We know this is complicated and stressful. We want to help. ODHS is sharing updates as quickly as possible while making sure the information we share is accurate. For the most up-to-date information about federal changes, keep an eye on our social media and website.

If you're worried about having enough food, there are community resources that can help. Check out https://needfood.oregon.gov for support.

10/21/2025

If the federal government shutdown continues into November, ODHS will not be able to issue SNAP food benefits in November. If you need food help while we wait for the federal government to reopen, try one of these options:

- Visit the ODHS Food Resources website: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/default.aspx
- Search for a local food bank with Oregon Food Bank: https://foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org/
- Call 211info at 2-1-1 to learn about food resources near you
- If you are an older adult or have a disability, call the ADRC of Oregon 855-673-2372 or visit adrcoforegon.org

We are continuing to monitor the situation and will post updates when we are able.

The federal government shutdown is affecting funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If the shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits for November will not be issued until federal funding starts again.

You can still use any SNAP benefits already on your EBT card. SNAP funds do not expire right away. Your current balance will stay available during this time.

When federal operations resume, ODHS will issue November benefits as quickly as possible. The timing will depend on national systems that process benefits for many states, which may cause some delays.

We know this is stressful for many people who rely on SNAP. We are watching the situation closely and will share updates as soon as we have them.

Get more details here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx

10/01/2025

Congress did not meet their deadline to pass a funding bill. This means a partial federal government shutdown has begun. Here's what you need to know:

- No impact to ODHS services in October: A shutdown will not affect our services or benefits in October. People will continue to receive their regular food, medical, cash, child care and other benefits and services, on time, just as usual.

- We’re monitoring the situation: We’re closely tracking program funding and cash flow. If the shutdown lasts beyond October, we’ll reassess and share any updates as needed.

- SNAP updates: While changes to SNAP eligibility driven by HR1 also begin today (Oct. 1, 2025), benefits for October will not be impacted. Some reductions or closures may happen starting in November.

We know news of a shutdown can feel stressful. Please know that ODHS services are continuing as normal for October. We’ll be here to keep you updated if anything changes!

09/30/2025

Important information if you get SNAP

Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are coming due to requirements from H.R. 1, a federal law passed on July 4, 2025. ODHS is making this announcement today so that those who may be affected can prepare. We expect more than 313,000 people enrolled in SNAP may be impacted by the H.R. 1 changes – especially older adults, immigrants, and people living in rural communities with limited access to transportation. The changes won’t happen to everyone at once. They will roll out over the next year. The rules are complex, and you can find details in this news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/odhs-announces-federal-changes-to-snap-so-thousands-of-oregonians-impacted-can-prepare

Here are some key things to know:

- Most changes will affect three main groups of SNAP recipients: households receiving utility assistance, able-bodied adults ages 18 through 64 with no child under age 14 in their SNAP group (including veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults aging out of foster care), and certain lawfully present immigrants.

- For people who already get SNAP: The changes will affect those who applied or recertified between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025. Notices will be sent around Oct. 15, 2025 to this first group of people who are impacted. The first group will have SNAP benefit reductions or closures on Nov. 1, 2025. For people approved for SNAP before July 4, 2025, the changes will happen over time throughout the next year and a notice will be sent.

- For people who apply or reapply for SNAP after Oct. 1, 2025: The new rules will apply right away.

If you think you may be impacted:

- Watch your mail for notices from ODHS and open them right away.

- If you think the work requirements may apply to you, don’t wait to start planning how to meet them. Call us at 833-947-1694 or SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

- Learn what other food resources are in your community. Our website may be able to help: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/Pages/default.aspx

We know these changes will be difficult, and we understand emotions will be high. We ask that everyone please be respectful in the comments so that people who need help may get their questions answered.

09/30/2025

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces and recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities. This year’s theme is “celebrating value and talent.”

“Our communities and economy are stronger when people with disabilities are included. For too long, people with disabilities did not have equal access to good jobs with fair wages in their communities. Oregon is committed to building employment-related supports and connections so all have access to reach their potential and fully participate in their communities.” - Allison Enriquez, Oregon Employment First Coordinator

Read more in this news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/oregon-celebrates-national-disability-employment-awareness-month-in-october

08/06/2025

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Director Fariborz Pakseresht named Jeff Akin the new interim director of the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS). Current interim director, Dana Hittle, will return to the ODHS Director’s Office. This change will happen August 11. Dana will serve as senior advisor on Medicaid policy and systems integration. Jeff is currently the ODHS deputy chief operations officer. He will serve as ODDS interim director until the new permanent director of ODDS is hired. The national search for that position is now open. Dana will support Jeff and ODDS through this transition. Read Director Pakseresht’s full message here:https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/directors-messages/odhs-2025-08-06-odds-interim-en.pdf

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El director del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon (ODHS, por sus siglas en inglés), Fariborz Pakseresht, nombró a Jeff Akin nuevo director interino del Programa para Discapacidades Intelectuales y del Desarrollo (ODDS, por sus siglas en inglés). La actual directora interina, Dana Hittle, volverá a la Oficina del Director de ODHS. Este cambio se producirá el 11 de agosto. Dana desempeñará el cargo de asesora sobre políticas e integración de sistemas de Medicaid. Jeff es actualmente el subdirector de operaciones de ODHS. Jeff desempeñará el cargo de director interino de ODDS hasta que se contrate al nuevo director permanente de ODDS. La búsqueda a nivel nacional para ese puesto ya está abierta. Dana apoyará a Jeff y a ODDS durante esta transición. Lea el mensaje completo del director Pakseresht aquí:https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/directors-messages/odhs-2025-08-06-odds-interim-es.pdf

07/30/2025

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is recruiting a new director of the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS). We hope to recruit a strong pool of applicants. Please share the job posting with those who are interested. Learn more:
https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/directors-messages/odhs-2025-07-30-odds-director-search-en.pdf

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El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon (ODHS) está reclutando a un nuevo director para el Programa para Discapacidades Intelectuales y del Desarrollo (ODDS). Esperamos atraer a un buen grupo de solicitantes. Comparta la oferta de trabajo con todas las personas interesadas. Muchas gracias.
https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/directors-messages/odhs-2025-07-30-odds-director-search-es.pdf

07/14/2025

Register for tomorrow's webinar: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/6IqvVUonQXSwfRnE2E6VkQ #/registration

06/30/2025

Happy Social Media Day, Facebook friends! Thanks for following along and supporting us!

Did you know that ODHS is on other social media platforms, too? Each one has unique content - so make sure you're following us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orhumanservices/

X: https://x.com/ORHumanServices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orhumanservices

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ORGovDHS

Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/pages/state-of-oregon

¿Habla español? Síganos en Facebook: Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon

We also have some program-specific pages. Check out:
- Foster.Oregon.gov
- ODHS Office of Developmental Disabilities Services
- Oregon Employment First
- ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities
- ADRC of Oregon
- Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program

Learn more about social media at ODHS: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/social-media-statement.aspx

06/27/2025

“The Americans with Disabilities Act was a landmark victory in the fight for civil rights, laying the foundation for greater equity and independence. The anniversary of the Act is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible Oregon for people with disabilities. We are grateful to our co-hosts for their partnership in presenting the upcoming webinar series. Their collaboration helps ensure we continue to educate, engage and advocate in ways that honor the spirit and impact of the ADA.” - Mark King, Chair of the Oregon Disabilities Commission

Read more in a news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/webinar-series-to-honor-35-years-of-disability-civil-rights-kicks-off-july-8

06/27/2025

Real jobs. Real skills. Real futures.
These Sherwood internship grads built confidence and work skills through Project SEARCH — and they’re just getting started! See how Project SEARCH helps young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn, grow, and step into employment.

Want to learn more? Check out this blog post: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/blog-internship-program-builds-skills-and-futures-for-young-adults-with-disabilities